Avril Lavigne had an unexpected visitor on stage during her appearance at the Juno Awards in Edmonton, Canada. The singer, who was introducing musical artist AP Dhillon’s performance at the ceremony, was interrupted by a topless woman.
The woman, an environment activist, ran onto the stage and walked around until security was able to escort her away. Meanwhile, Lavigne confronted her and told her to ‘get the f*** off.’ Read on to know more about the surprising incident.
Avril Lavigne’s Speech Interrupted by Topless Environmentalist at Juno Awards
The incident took place at the start of the ceremony when Lavigne was onstage to introduce rapper AP Dhillon with his first act at the Junos. She was in the middle of the introduction and said, “I’m introducing an artist who’s blown up on the global music scene with the new wave of R&B, hip hop and pop records, fused….”
The topless woman then suddenly barged on stage, going past security, wearing only pink pants and a matching bandana. As per the spectators, the woman wore pastries and had the slogan “save the green belt” and “land back” written on her body. Lavigne, however, avoided the woman and continued with her script.
The protestor then circled around the singer and extended her arms. At this moment, Lavigne looked right at her and said, “Get the f*** off. Get the f*** off b**ch,” The security was by then onstage and escorted the woman away. The singer then returned to introduce the act.
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Releases Statement
Following the conclusion of the awards, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (CARAS) addressed the incident with a statement: “We take every step to avoid interruptions to our program, but there are always risks with live events and broadcasts.”
“We hope tonight’s brief disruption doesn’t take away from the accomplishments of this year’s performers, winners and nominees.” Lavigne won the TikTok Juno Fan Choice Award in the ceremony and joked about the incident in her acceptance speech. “Now nobody try anything this time or the Canadian’s gonna come out of me and I’ll f*** a b**ch up.”
Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu, who was the host at the awards, ended the night with the words, “Sorry for the boobs.” After the event, he interacted with the press and said, “If you were to have told me, before I started hosting the show, that there would be somebody taking their shirt off at the Junos and it wouldn’t be me, I would be shocked.”
The Environmentalist was Protesting Against a Housing Development Plan in Ontario
‘Save the green belt’ is a slogan in reference to a housing development plan by the Ontario government. In November last year, the province issued regulations to remove 7,400 acres of protected Greenbelt land for a housing project which will build 50,000 new homes by 2025.
The project has sparked controversy and is being criticized and opposed by a number of environmental groups. The housing development plan is now under review by Ontario’s auditor general and integrity commissioner.
For more news and updates, keep watching this space.